Padres 4, Cubs 1: Farewell to 2026, and on to an uncertain 2027

Key Points:

• The Chicago Cubs started the 2026 season strong with a 27-12 record, including two 10-game winning streaks, but faltered significantly afterward, finishing 62-61 and struggling with injuries, poor production, and bullpen issues.
• The Cubs were eliminated in the Wild Card Series by the San Diego Padres after a 4-1 loss in Game 2, with their offense largely disappearing and scoring only one run in the entire series.
• Cubs hitters batted a combined .129 in the two-game series, marking the lowest postseason batting average in franchise history, highlighting major offensive struggles despite a strong regular season.
• Pitching woes, including injuries and ineffectiveness from both starters and relievers, were a key factor in the Cubs' early playoff exit, overshadowing their previously potent offense.
• Looking ahead, uncertainty looms over the 2027 season schedule due to a potential MLB owners’ lockout starting December 1, complicating preparations for Spring Training and the regular season.